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1^^^ T R A P 
^^ SHOOTING 
^ RULES 



THE INTERSTATE 
ASSOCIATION 




REVISED 1909 



INANIMATE TARGET 



AND 



LIVE BIRD RULES 



OF 



The Interstate Association 

FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT 
OF TRAP SHOOTING 



COMMITTEE ON RULES 



BERNARD WATERS, of Forest and Stream 

ELMER E. SHANER, Secretary -Manager of 
The Interstate Association 



REVISED 190< 



Copyright 1910 

:-- .-, , . ■ BY - ■ . - -- - 

THE INTKRSTATK ASSOCIATION 

For the Encouragement 
OF Trap Shooting. 



)CI.A25(i6l5 



TARGETS AND LIVE BIRDS. 



DEFINITIONS OF TERMS. 

These definitions are' also interpretations of the 
terms to which they refer. 

Minimum Number of Contestants. 

A tournament, to be recognized by the Interstate 
Association^ shall have not less than eleven con- 
testants in each event. (See Rule 15, Section 2). 

Broken Target. 

A broken target is one which has at least a visible 
piece or pieces broken from it, or which is completely 
reduced to dust, or which has a visible section broken 
from it even though such section is broken into dust 
by the contestant's shot. 

Dusted Target. 

A dusted target is one from which more or kss dust 
is detached by the contestant's shot, but which shows 
no visible diminution in size therefrom. A dusted 
target is not a broken target. 

Double Targets. 

A contestant, in double target shooting, shall shoot 
only once at a target. To shoot twice at the same 
target is simply single target shooting with the use of 
two shots. 

Duly Notified. 

A contestant is duly notified to compete when his 
name is called out by a Referee, Scorer or other 
person authorized to do so by the Management. If 
a "squad hustler" is furnished, it is a matter of 
courtesy only, and does not in the least relieve the 
contestant from responsibility. It is the duty of each 
and every contestant to be promptly on hand to com- 
pete when called to do so. Failing therein, he is 
responsible for his acts of negligence. 

3 



_ 4 — 
Balk. 

Any extraneous occurrence which materially inter- 
feres with the equity of the contestant after he calls 
"Pull," constitutes a balk, if it deters him from shoot- 
ing, or if it coincidentally interferes with him when he 
actually shoots. If he shoots after the balk occurs, 
he must abide by the result. Misfires (under certain 
limitations as set forth in the rules), a partly opened 
trap, etc., are balks. Only the contestant directly 
interested can claim a balk, which, when allowed, 
restores him to a new inning. 

Disqualification. 

Disqualification carries with it a forfeiture of all 
entrance money and rights in the competition to which 
it relates. 

Jarring Back. 

Jarring back denotes that from the concussion of 
the first shot the safety has been slipped back to 
''safe." Whatever may be the cause of slipping the 
safety back to ''safe," the contestant must abide by 
the result. 

No Target or No Bird, 

After a Referee declares a "no target" or a "no 
bird," it is thereafter no part of the competition and 
is irrelevant to it. 

Widely Different Angle. 

When a target varies more than twenty degrees 
either way outside the prescribed limit of the angles 
in single target shooting, the contestant may refuse it. 

Simultaneous Discharge. 

A Simultaneous Discharge is one wherein from any 
cause both barrels are discharged together or nearly 
together. 

Dead Bird. 

.'\ bird is scored as "dead" if it is gathered accord- 
ing to the requirements of these rules. 

Lost Bird. 

A bird is lost when it escapes through or falls 
beyond the boundary. (Except as in Rule 9, Section 
1 (d), and Rule 12, Section 8). 



Inning. 

The term "inning'* denotes a contestant's time at the 
firing point, commencing with the call of "pull" and 
ending as specified in these rules. 

Magazine Gun. 

The term "magazine gun" applies alike to automatic 
guns, pump guns (so-called), and all other guns not 
directly dependent on hand loading. 

Class Shooting. 

Class shooting denotes that the contestants who tie 
for first are in the highest class, and are winners of 
first. Those who tie for second are in the second 
class and are winners of second, and so on with the 
other classes. (See Rule 18.) 

High Guns and High Scores. 

High guns and high scores signify that the con- 
testants who make the highest scores take, in the 
order of superiority, all the cash or prizes in such 
ratios as are set forth in the conditions governing the 
competition. In case of ties, the high p-uns are deter- 
mined by shooting off, miss and out, in which event 
the gun which stays the longest is first ; the one which 
stays the next longest is second, and so on. 



THE INTERSTATE ASSOCIATION 
TRAP SHOOTING RULES. 



TARGETS. 



Rule 1. — The Management. 

Section 1. The Management of The Interstate- 
Association reserves the authority to reject any entry 
relating to any of its tournament competitions with- 
out giving any reason therefor, and to disqualify, in 
whole or in part, any contestant who acts ungentle- 
manly or disorderly, or who handles his gun danger- 
ously. 

Sec. 2. The Management of The Interstate 
Association or its authorized representative shall for 
each tournament appoint a Referee or Referees, or a 
Referee and Judges, and a Scorer or Scorers, and a 
Trap Puller or Trap Pullers, and such other assistants 
as it may deem to be necessary. 

Sec. 3. The Management of The Interstate 
Association reserves the right to make any alterations 
and amendments to these rules whenever it deems it 
for the best interests of all concerned to do so. 

Rule 2. — The Referee. 

Section 1. Besides attending to the special duties 
as set forth hereinafter, the Referee shall adjudicate 
the competition. He shall distinctly announce the 
result of each shot by calling out "dead'* or "broke" 
when the target is broken, and "lost" when the target 
is unbroken. He shall decide all other issues which 
arise in relation to the direct competition. His deci- 
sion in all cases shall be final. 

Sec. 2. If the Referee is negligent or inefficient, 
impairing thereby the equity of the competition, the 
Management may forthwith remove him. 



— 7 — 
Rule 3. — The Referee and Judges. 

Section 1. When a Referee and Judges are ap- 
pointed, the latter shall adjudicate the competition. 
The Referee's duty then is to decide any disagreement 
between the Judges, pending which the competition 
shall be suspended. Any Judges' disagreement shall 
be submitted to the Referee forthwith. 

Sec. 2. If the Judges are negligent or inefficient, 
imp-airing thereby the equity of the competition, the 
Management may forthwith remove them. 

Rule 4. — The Scorer. 

Section 1. The Scorer shall keep an accurate 
record of each shot of each contestant. Accordingly 
as the Referee calls "dead," "broke," or "lost," the 
Scorer shall promptly respond with the call "dead," 
"broke" or "lost." He shall mark the figure 1 for 
"dead" or "broke," and a^ for "lost." When possible 
to do so, he shall keep the scores on a score sheet or 
blackboard, plainly in view of the contestants. His 
record of the competition so kept shall be official, and 
shall govern all awards and records of the competi- 
tion to which it relates. 

Sec. 2. If the Scorer is negligent or inefficient, im- 
pairing thereby the equity of the competition, the 
Management may forthwith remove him. 

Rule 5. — The Puller. 

Section 1. The Puller shall have charge of spring- 
ing the traps. He shall spring the trap or traps 
instantly in response to the contestants call of "PulL" 

Sec. 2. The Puller shall have an unobstructed view 
of the contestants at the firing points. 

Sec. 3. If the Puller is negligent or inefficient, im- 
pairing thereby the equity of the competition, the 
Management may forthwith remove him. 

Rule 6. — Contestants. 

Section 1. A contestant may hold his gun in any 
position. 

Sec. 2. A contestant may load his gun only when 
at the firing point facing the traps. In single target 
shooting, he shall place only one cartridge in his gun, 
removing it or the empty shell before turning from 



~ 8 — 

the firing point. The Referee or the Management may 
fine a contestant from $1.00 to $5.00, or may disqualify 
him, for violating this rule. 

Sec. 3. When at the firing point ready for com- 
petition, the contestant shall distinctly give the com- 
mand "Pull" to the Puller, and thereafter such con- 
testant is unqualifiedly in the competition. 

Sec. 4. A contestant must be at the firing point 
within three minutes after having been duly notified 
(sec definition) to contest. Failing therein, unless he 
can show important cause for the delay, he may be 
fined $1.00 by the Referee or the Management, or 
he may be disqualified. 

Sec. 5. Shooting on the grounds at any place other 
than the firing points is prohibited. 

Sec. 6. A contestant fined for a violation of these 
rules^ is ineligible further to compete until the fine 
is paid, and if the fine is not paid before the end of 
the tournament, such default carries disqualification 
with it. 

Rule 7. — Challenge and Protest. 

Section 1. A contestant may challenge the load of 
any other contestant, under Rule 12 (b). On receipt 
of a written challenge, with $5.00 forfeit, the Manage- 
ment shall obtain a cartridge from the challengee and 
if, after public examination of it, the Management 
finds the challengee violated Rule 12 (b), he may be 
disqualified or not, accordingly as the offense was 
wilfully committed or otherwise. In case the chal- 
lengee is wholly innocent, the forfeit shall be paid 
to him; otherwise it shall be returned to the chal- 
lenger. 

Sec. 2. A protest concerning a score or scores must 
be made before or immediately after the close of the 
competition to which it or they relate. A protest can 
be made only by a contestant or contestants. All 
protests must be in writing. 

Rule 8. — Broken Target. 

The Referee or Judge shall declare the target 
"broke" or "dead" when it is broken in the air under 
the conditions prescribed by these rules. Shot marks 
in a "pick up" shall not be considered as evidence of a 
broken target. (See Definition.) 



— 9 — 

Rule 9. — Lost Target. 

Except in the cases otherwise provided in these 
rules, the Referee shall declare the target "lost," 
respectively, 

(a) When the contestant fails to break the target. 

(b) When the contestant fails to shoot because his 
gun was unloaded or uncocked, or because the safety 
was faultily adjusted, or jarred back, whether from 
his own oversight or not; or because of any other 
cause chargeable to his own oversight or neglect. (See 
Rule 12 [c] ). • 

Rule 10.— No Target. 

It is a ''no target," and the Referee shall allow an- 
other target, respectively. 

(a) When a contestant shoots out of turn. 

(b) When two contestants, or when a contestant 
and a non-contestant, shoot at the same target. 

(c) When there is a misfire caused by the con- 
testant's gun, or a misfire of the cartridge (except as 
provided in Rule 9 [b], and Rule 12 [c]). 

(d) When (whether shot at or not) a broken 
target is thrown. 

(e) When a contestant is balked. (See Definition.) 
(/)i When there is any other reason not provided 

for in these rules, if, in the opinion of the Referee, it 
materially afifects the equity of the competition. 

Rule 11. — No Target, If Refused. 

If a contestant does not shoot, in any of the 
instances herewith specified, the Referee shall declare 
a "no target" ; but if the contestant shoots the result 
shall be scored, respectively, 

(a) When the trap is sprung at a material interval 
of time before or after the call of "Pull." 

(b) When the trap is sprung without anv call of 
"Pull." 

(c) When, in single target shooting, two targets 
are thrown at the same time. 

(d) When the target is thrown at a widely dif- 
ferent angle. (See Definition.) : 



— 10 -- 
Rule 12. — Guns and Loads. 
A contestant shall not use, respectively : 

(a) A gun whose bore is larger than a twelve 
gauge. 

(b) A load of shot greater than one and one- 
quarter ounce, any standard measure, struck. 

(c) A reloaded cartridge, or a gun or cartridge 
after it has once misfired in the competition. The 
contestant must thereafter abide by the result if he 
uses such. (See Rule 9 [b] ). 

Rule 13. — Traps, Flights and Angles, Pits and 
Screens, Firing Points. 

Section 1. An automatic trap, or three traps 
Sergeant System, shall be used. 

THE AUTOMATIC TRAP. 

Sec. 2. The automatic trap. (See Diagram I) 
throws targets at unknown angles. 

sergeant system. 

Sec. 3. Three traps, four feet apart, constitute the 
Sergeant System (See Diagram II). The targets are 
thrown from unknown traps, at unknown angles. 

flights and angles. 

Sec. 4. Targets, whether singles or doubles, shall 
be thrown not less than forty-five yards nor more 
than fifty-five yards, with a flight between six and 
twelve feet high at a point ten yards from the trap. 
Except in double target shooting, the flight of targets 
shallbe at unknown angles, thrown within an area. of 
forty-five degrees right and left of an imaginary 
straight line drawn through the center of number^ 
three firing point and prolonged through the center of 
the central 'trap, or through the center of the single 
trap when only one trap is used. In single target 
shooting, to aid in distinguishing between targets 
within and without bounds, four stakes, not less than 
three feet in height, shall be placed in the arc of a 
circle whose radii are fifty yards, and whose center is 
the center of the central trap, or the center of the 
single trap when only one trap is used. Respectively 



— 11 — 

right and left of the aforementioned imaginary 
straight line, two of the stakes shall be placed upright, 
one at forty-five degrees and one at sixty-five degrees 
in said arc. (See Definition of "Widely Different 
Angle," and Diagram III.) 



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DIAGRAM I.- 





AUTOMATIC TRAP. 

(See Rule 13, Section 2.) 

A* — Firing Points 1 to 5, spaced three to five yards apart. 
B— Trap. 



— 12 — 

PITS AND SCREENS. 

Sec. 5. Pits and screens shall be used to protect 
properly the trappers. The screens shall not be higher 
than is necessary for such protection. 



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DIAGRAM II. 

SERGEANT SYSTEM. 

(See Rule 13, Section 3.) 

A* — :Firing Points 1 to 5, spaced three to five yards apart. 
B — Traps, spaced four feet apart. 



13 — 



FIRING POINTS. 



Section 6. The firing points shall be three to five 
yards apart in the cirGumference of a circle whose 
radii are sixteen yards. (See Diagram I.) 

Rule 14. — Distance Handicaps. 

The distance handicaps when used shall be on pro- 
longations of the lines given in Diagram I, commonly 
known as ''fan-shaped." The distance between the fir- 
ingf points at sixteen yards shall then be nine feet. 
(See Diagram IV.) 

Rule 15.— Squads. 

Section 1. Contestants shall shoot in squads of 
five, except respectively, 

(a) When there afe less than five contestants 
available for the last squad of any program event. 

(b) When there are withdrawals from a squad or 
squads after the corftpetition has begun. 

Sec. 2. The competition (except in handicap 
events) shall begin with not less than five contestants 
in the first squad of the first event, under penalty of 
rendering void the whole scores of such event in the 
matter of Interstate Association records. Less than 
three squads shall not be considered a tournament. 
(See Definition.) $ 

Sec. 3. Each contestant, successively at each firing 
point, shall shoot as follows : 

(a) In 10-target events, at two targets. 

(b) In 15-target events, at three targets. 

(c) In 20-target events, at four targets. 

(d) In 25- target events, at five targets. 

Sec. 4. The members of any squad shall remain 
at the firing points until the last shot of the inning 
is fired. 

Rule 16 — Double Targets, Misfire, Magazine Gun, 

Section 1. In double target shooting, there shall 
be squads of five, at sixteen yards' (except as pro- 
vided in Rule 15, Section 1 [a] and [b]). 



— 14 - 

Sec. 2. Each double shall be thrown as a right 
and a left quarterer, whose flights shall be limited 
to the two areas between twenty and sixty-five de- 
grees (marked D D B, Diagram V) right and left' 
of an imaginary straight line drawn through the center 
of number three firing point and prolonged through 
the center of the central trap, or through the center of 
the single trap when only one trap is used. To aid 
in distinguishing between targets within and without 
bounds, four stakes, not less than three feet in 
height, shall be placed in the arc of a circle whose 
radii are fiifty yards, and whose center is the center 
of the central trap, or the center of the single trap 
when only one trap is used Respectively right and 
left of the aforementioned imaginary straight line, 
two of the stakes shall be placed upright, one at 
twenty degrees and one at sixty-five degrees in said 
arc. (See Rule 13, Section 4, and Section 5 [b] of 
this Rule, and Diagram V.) 



^f^i^f^i 



DIAGRAM III. 

SIAX.LE TARGET SHOOTING. 
(See Rule 13, Section 4.) " 
A* — Firing Points 1 to 5, spaced three to five yards apart. 
B— Trap. 

G — Fifty yards from trap. 
D— Stakes. 
D C D B— Shaded section showing the area within which tar 

gets should be thrown. 
D E B — Merely assist in locating other lines. 
B G — Imaginary straight line. 



-. 15 — 

Sec. 3i. If the contestant has a misfire or apparent 
misfire; he, without removing the cartridge or 
cartridges, shall forthwith hand his gun to the 
Referee for decision. (See Rule 9 [b] and Rule 
12 [c].) 

Sec. 4. The Referee shall declare "no targets," 
respectively, 

(a) When only one target is thrown. 



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DIAGRAM IV. 

DISTANCE HANDICAPS. 

(See Rule 14.) 

A* — Firing points 1 to' 5, spaced nihe feet apaft at 16 yards: 
B — Trap. 



-^ 16 -~ 

■ (b) When both targets are broken by one shot. 

(c) When one target is a piece or both targets 
are pieces. 

(d) When both barrels of the contestant's, gun 
are discharged simultaneously. 

(^) Wh6n there is a misfire with either barrel 
(except in case of Rule 9 [&], and Rule 12 [c]). 
See Section 3 of this Rule. 

Sec. 5. In case the contestant does not shoot, the 
Referee shall declare "no targets," but if the con- 
testant shoots, the result shall be scored, respectively, 

(a) When one target follows the other after a 
material interval of time, instead of the two targets 
taking flight simultaneously. 

(b) When one target or both targets are thrown 
at a wider or narrower angle or angles than is set 
forth in Section 2 of this rule. 

Sec. 6. In case of a magazine gun (see definition), 
it is "no targets," and the Referee (except as pro- 
vided in Rule 9 [b], and Rule 12 [c] ) shall allow 
allow another pair, respectively, 

(a) When, in ejection, the head of the empty 
shell is pulled off, if it thereby prevents reloading for 
the second shot. 

(b) When, if the gun is opened properly, the 
extractor fails to extract the empty shell of the 
first shot. 

(c) When the empty shell, although it be ex- 
tracted from the chamber after the first shot, is not 
ejected, thereby preventing the reloading of the gun 
for the second shot. A contestant must abide by 
the results of such failures thereafter. 

Sec. 7. In case of a magazine gun, it is not "no 
targets," and the Referee shall not allow another 
pair, when there is any failure to shoot caused by 
a cartridge too thick or too I'ong, or any failure 
whatsoever caused by a reloaded cartridge, or a 
second failure tP.ejject - r-: 

Sec. 8. When the Referee declares "no targets" 
the. contestant shall have a new inning with, the use 
of two shots. 



— 17 — 
Rule 17. — Division of Moneys. 

In the division, unless otherwise provided, the 
moneys shall be governed by class shooting. 

Rule 18.— Ties. 

The ties shall be shot off and the winnings divided 
as the Management shall elect. 

Rule 19. — ^Unfinished Competition, 

In case that darkness, bad weather, or other cause, 
interferes with the competition, the Management may 
thereupon publicly postpone it to a date not later 
than two weeks. Any contestant who defaults in 
respect to such postponed competition, forfeits all 
his rights and standing therein. 



DIAGRAM V. 

DOUBLE TARGET SHOOTING. 

(See Rule 16, Section 2.) 

A*T— Firing Points 1 to 5, spaced three to five yards apart. 

B— Trap. 

C — Fifty yards from trap. 

D— Stakes. 

D D B — Shaded sections showing areas within which targets 

shall be thrown. 
F — Arrows indicate the most desirable flights of targets. 
D E B-^Merely assist in locating other lines. 
B C — Imaginary straight line. 



— 18 — 

Rule 20. — Official Decisions* 

Every person, entering the competition agrees: to 
accept all official decisions, and to abide by these 
rules. 

Notes. 

These rules additionally govern all Registered 
Tournaments. 

The ^'Definitions of Terms" and the Diagrams, in 
respect to targets and live birds, are a part of these 
rules. 

The cross reference or references in any rule are 
supplementary to such rule, in so far as such refer- 
ence or references are pertinent. 



THE INTERSTATE ASSOCIATION 
TRAP SHOOTING RULES. 



UVE BIRDS. 



Rule 1. — The Management. 

Section 1. The Management of the Interstate 
Association reserves the authority to reject any 
entry relating to any of its tournament competitions 
without giving any reason therefor, and to disqualify, 
in whole or in part, any contestant who acts ufi- 
gentlemanly, or disorderly, or who handles his gun 
dangerously. 

Sec. 2. The Management of the Interstate Asso- 
ciation or its authorized representative s'hall for each 
tournament appoint a Referee or Referees, and a 
Scorer or Scorers, and a Trap Puller or Trap Pullers, 
and such other assistants a-s it may deem to be 
necessary. 

Sec. 3. The Management of the Interstate 
Association reserves the right to m'ake any alter- 
ations and amendments to these rul'es whenever it 
deems it for the best interests of all concerned to 
do so. 

Rule 2. — The Referee. 

Section 1. Besides attending to the special duties 
as set forth hereinafter, the Referee shall adjudicate 
the competition. He shall distinctly announce the 
result of each shot or shots by calling out "dead," 
when the bird is gathered according to rule, and 
'lost," when the bird escapes beyond the boundary 
(except as provfded in Rule 9, Section 1 [d], and in 
Rule 12, Section 8). He shall decide aU other issues 
which arise in relation to the direct competition. 
His decision in all cases shall be final. 
19 



~ 20 — . 

Sec. 2. If the Referee is negligent or inefficient, 
impairing thereby the equity of the competition, the 
Management may forthwith remove him. 

Rule 3.— -The Scorer. 

Section 1. The Scorer shall keep an accurate 
record of each shot or shots of each contestant 
According as the Referee calls "dead'' or "lost," the 
Scorer shall promptly respond with the call "dead" 
or "lost." He shall mark the figure 1 to denote that 
one shot was used to effect the kill, the figure 2 to 
denote that two shots were used to effect the kill, 
and a to denote that the bird was lost. His 
record of the competition so kept shall be official, 
and shall govern all awards and records of the com- 
petition to which it relates. 

Sec. 2. If the Scorer is negligent or inefficient, 
impairing thereby the equity of the competition, the 
Management may forthwith remove him. 

Rule 4. — The Puller. 

Section 1. The Puller shall have charge of 
springing the traps. He shall spring the trap or 
traps instantly in response to the contestant's call 
of "Pull." 

Sec. 2. The Puller shall have an unobstructed 
view of the contestant at the firing point. 

Sec. 3. When a mechanical device is used to 
determine which trap shall be sprung, the Puller shall 
be so placed and shall so act that any contestant who 
is at the firing point cannot know in advance which 
trap is to be sprung for him. 

Sec. 4 The Management may appoint an assistant 
Puller to take charge of the mechanical device, and 
to require that the traps be sprung accordingly as 
determined by it. 

Sec. 5. The Puller shall not spring the trap or 
traps until the trapper and retriever are back in 
their places, even though the contestant calls "Pull." 

Sec. 6. If the Puller is negligent or inefficient, 
impairing thereby the equity of the competition, the 
Management may forthwith remove him. 



— 21 -- 

Rule 5. — Contestant. 

Section 1. A contestant may hold his gun in any 
position. 

Sec. 2. A contestant may load his gun only when 
at the firing point facing the traps, and he shall 
remove from his gun all cartridges or empty shells 
before turning from the firing point. The Referee 
or the Management may fine a contestant from $1.00 
to $5.00, or may disqualify him, for violating this 
rule. 

Sec. 3. When at the firing point ready for , com- 
petition, the contestant shall,, to the Puller, distinctly 
call out, "Are you ready?" When the Puller re- 
sponds "Ready," he thereby signifies that he is ready 
to spring the trap or traps promptly to the con- 
testant's command. When ready for the bird, the 
contestant shall distinctly give the command "Pull" 
to the Puller, and thereafter such contestant is un- 
qualifiedly in the competition. 

Sec. 4. After a contestant fires^ his first shot, he 
must fire his second shot immediately or leave the 
firing point. 

Sec. 5. When firing, the contestant's feet shall be 
behind the firing mark assigned to him. 

Sec. 6. A contestant may stand back of the mark 
assigned to him at the firing, point if he chooses to 
do so, but the mark assigned to him shall be the 
official mark. 

Sec. 7. A contestant must be at the firing point 
within two minutes after having been duly notified 
(see definition) to contest. Failing therein, unless 
he can show important cause for the delay, he may 
be fined $1.00 by the Referee or the Managernent, or 
he may be disiqualified. 

Sec. 8. If the contestant has a misfire, or apparent 
misfire, he, without removing the cartridge or cart- 
ridges, shall forthwith hand his gun to the Referee 
for decision. (See Rule 9, Section 1 [h]^ [o] and 
[p], and Rule 14 [c]). 

Sec. 9. Shooting on the grounds at any place other 
than the firing points is prohibited. 

Sec. 10. A contestant fined for a violation of these 
rules is ineligible further to compete until the fine 
is paid. 



— 22 — 

Rule 6.— Challenge and Protest. 

Section 1. A contestant may challenge the load 
of any O'ther contestant, under Rule 14 (b). On 
receipt of a written challenge, with $5.00 forfeit, the 
Management shall obtain a cartridge from the chal- 
lengee, and if, after public examination of it, the 
Management finds the challengee violated Rule 14 
(b), he may be disqualified or not, accordingly as 
the offense was willfully committed or otherwise. 
In case the challengee is wholly innocent, the forfeit 
shall be paid tO' him ; otherwise it shall be returned 
to the challenger. 

Sec. 2. A protest concerning a score or scores 
must be made before or immediately after the close 
of the competition to which it or they relate. A 
protest can be made only by a contestant or con- 
testants. All protests must be in writing. 

Rule 7. — Dead Bird, 

The Referee shall declare the bird "dead" when 
it is gathered within bounds, under the conditions 
prescribed by these rules. (See Rule 9, Section 
1 [b]). 

Rule 8. — Lost Bird. 

Except in the cases otherwise provided in these 
rules, the Referee shall declare the bird ''lost," re- 
spectively, 

(a) When the bird is once outside of the boun- 
dary, except as provided in Rule 9, Section 1 ((/), 
and in Rule 12, Section 8. 

(b) When the bird dwells, even for the briefest 
moment, on the top of the boundary enclosure, 
whether it perches thereon or not. 

(c) W^hen the contestant fails to shoot because 
his gun was unloaded or uncocked, or because the 
safety was faultily adjusted or jarred back, whether 
from his own oversight or not; or because of any 
other cause chargeable to his- own oversight or neg- 
lect. (See Rule 14 [c] ). 

(d) When the contestant, after leaving the firing 
point, returns and shoots again at the same bird, or 
when, after firing one shot, he opens and closes his 
gun, and shoots again at the same bird. 



— 23 — 

Rule 9.— No Bird. 

When the Referee declares a "no bird," it gives 
the contestant another inning, with the use of two 
shots. 

Section 1. It is a "no bird," and the Referee shall 
allow another bird, respectively : 

(a) When, in his opinion, the bird, being on the 
ground and not having been shot at, cannot fly prop- 
erly, whether it has been on the wing or not. 

(b) When a bird is on the ground when a con- 
testant fires his first shot, if the bird is afterward 
gathered within bounds. If a bird is on the wing 
when the first shot is fired, and it is killed on the 
ground with the second shot, it is a dead bird. 

(c) When the bird walks in one yard from the 
traps, or when, after having been on the wing and 
still being unshot at, it alights between the traps and 
the dead line, and thereafter walks toward the con- 
testant at all. (See Diagram VII.) 

(d) When the bird, after being shot at, escapes 
through any op'ening in the boundary, the same being 
permanent or not, if, in the opinion of the Referee, 
it could not have escaped otherwise. 

(e) When the bird is shot at also by some one 
other than the contestant, if, in the opinion of the 
Referee, the bird could have been gathered had there 
been no such interference, or if he considers that 
such interference constitutes a balk. 

(/) When a contestant, through his own fault, 
shoots and kills from a mark which is nearer than 
the one assigned to him. If he misses, the bird is 
lost. 

(g) When both barrels of the contestant's gun 
are discharged simultaneously. 

(h) When there is a misfire caused by the con- 
testant's gun, or a misfire of the cartridge (except 
as provided in Rule 8 [c] and Rule 14 [c]). See 
Rule 5, Section 8. 

(i) When the contestant, to avoid endangering 
life or property, does not shoot. 

(/) When seven balls have been thrown at a bird, 
whether it has been on the wing or not. 



— 24 — 

(k) When a contestant is balked. (See Definition.) 

(/) When the trap is not sprung with reasonable 
promptness to the command 'Tull" ; or when the 
bird, not having been on the wing, refuses to f[y 
after the trap has been sprung, if in either instance 
the contestant declares ''no bird." 

(m) When the bird is caught in the trap and 
there held long enough for the contestant to cover 
such trap before the bird can take wing. 

(n) When the bird is injured by a missile. 




V. DIAGRAM VI. , / 

\ 

LIVE BIRDS. 

(See Rule 16, Section 1, and Rule 17, Section 1.) 

A B— Dead Line. 
A B C — Boundary. 
D — ^Traps, spaced five yards apart. 
Firing Points, 25 to 33 yards.- 

The dotted lines are no part of the boundaries, but assist in 
determining the centers. 



— 25 — 

(o) When a contestant has a misfire with the first 
shot, if he does not fire the second (except as pro- 
vided in Rule 14 [c] ). See Rule 5, Section 8. 

(p) When, after firing his first shot, he has a 
misfire with his second shot, if he does not kill the 
bird with the first shot (except as provided in Rule 
14 [c]). See Rule 5, Section 8. 

(q) When he has a misfire with both cartridg^es 
(except as provided in Rule 14 [c] ). See Rule 5, 
Section 8. 

(r) When, the overground system being used, a 
trap or traps are unfilled before the contestant shoots. 
(s) See Rule 12, Section 8. 

(0 When there is any other reason not provided 
for in these rules, if, in the opinion of the Referee, 
it materially affects the equity of the competition. 

"No birds," in case of b, f, g, h, I, o, /'and q, 
shall be paid for by the contestant. 

Sec. 2. In case of a magazine gun (see definition), 
it is a "no bird" and the Referee (except as pro- 
vided in Rule 8 [c] and Rule 14 [c] ), shall alow 
another bird, respectively, 

(a) When, in ejection, the head of the empty shell 
is pulled off, if it thereby prevents reloading for the 
second shot. 

(&) When, if the gun is opened properly, the ex- 
tractor fails to extract the empty shell of the first 
shot. 

(c) When the empty shell, although it be ex- 
tracted from the chamber after the first shot, is not 
ejected, thereby preventing the reloading of the gun 
for the second shot. A contestant must abide by the 
results of such failures thereafter. 

^'No birds" in the case of a, &.and c, shall be paid 
for by the contestant. 

Sec 3. In case of a magazine gun, it is not a 
''no bird," and the Referee shall not allow another 
bird, when there is any failure to shoot caused by 
a cartridge too thick or too long, or any failure 
whatsoever caused by a reloaded cartridge, or a sec- 
ond failure to eject. 



Rule 10. — No Bird, if Refused. 

If a contestant does not shoot, in any of the in- 
stances herewith specified, the Referee shall declare 
a "no bird"; but if the contestant shoots the result 
shall be scored, respectively, 

(a) When the trap is sprung at a material interval 
of time before or after the call of 'Tull." 

(b) When the trap is sprung without any call of 
"Pull." 

(c) When, in single bird shooting, two or more 
birds are liberated at the same time. If a contestant 
shoots at both birds, he shall be required to pay for 
both, and he shall also be fined $1.00 by the Manage- 
ment. The first bird shot at is the only one which 
can be scored "dead" or ''lost" under these circum- 
stances. 

Rule 11. — Refusal to Fly. 

Section 1. When, on the trap being properly 
pulled, the bird refuses to fly, the Referee shall 
forthwith order to be exercised such means as are 
provided by the Management to make such bird fly. 
A bird injured by a ball or by a flus'h rope, shall 
be governed by Rule 9, Section 1 (n). A contest- 
ant may not call a "no bird" after the bird has been 
on the wing, but if he desires to make such bird a 
"no bird," he may shoot it on the ground, in which 
case it will be governed by Rule 9, Section 1 (b) . 

Sec. 2. In case of possible doubt as to whether a 
bird was "on the wing" or not when it flipped up, 
the Referee when, in his opinion, it was "on the 
wing," s'hall promptly so inform the contestant by 
calling out "on the wing." 

Rule 12. — Gathering. 

Section 1. To be scored dead, the bird must be 
gathered within two minutes after it falls to the 
ground or is legally killed on the ground, excepting 
as provided in Section 4 of this Rule. The Manage- 
ment may appoint, or may permit the contestant to 
appoint, someone to gather the bird ; or a dog may 
be used for that purpose. The moment the bird 
touches the ground, the Referee shall order it 
gathered. 



— 27 — 

Sec. 2. Only one man or one dog may be used 
at a time to gather any one bird. 

Sec. 3. When the gatherer does not know the 
whereabouts of the bird, the Referee or someone else 
appointed by him may give the gatherer such infor- 
mation as may be necessary to aid him in gathering 
it, but no one other than the Referee shall be allowed 
to accompany the gatherer. 

Sec. 4. When a dog is used to gather a bird and 
he cannot find it, the time limit shall not apply. Such 
dog shall be called in, and, after he is in control, 
the Referee shall appoint someone to gather the 
bird, whereupon the time limit shall apply. 

Sec. 5. In case of a dog pointing when gathering, 
the time lost by such act shall not count as a part 
of the time limit. The Referee may send someone 
to urge the dog off the point, or he may direct that , 
the dog be called in, after which the Referee shall 
proceed under Section 4 of this Rule. 

Sec. 6. The bird, when once within the grasp of 
the gatherer's hand, if the gatherer be a person, or 
within the grasp of the gatherer's mouth, if the 
gatherer be a dog, shall be scored as dead. 

Sec. 7. The gatherer, when a dog, should go direct- 
ly to the bird ; but the gatherer, when a man, shall go 
directly to the bird, without any prejudice whatever 
to the contestant's interests. It devolves upon each 
contestant to so kill his birds that they can be gathered 
without any extraordinary strategy or effort. 

Sec. 8. Should the dog break away or be liberated 
to gather the bird before it has touched the ground 
and, while chasing the bird, it passes beyond the 
boundary, the Referee may allow the contestant an- 
other bird, provided he is of the opinion that the bird 
would have been gathered within the !ime limit, if 
the dog had not interfered. 

Rule 13. — Mutilation. 

The mutilation of birds is prohibited. Any con- 
testant, who violates this rule, or connives at its viola- 
tion, shall forfeit all rights in the contest. 



— 28 — 

Rule 14. — Guns and Loads. 
A contestant shall not use, respectively, 

(a) A gun whose bore is larger than a twelve- 
gauge. 

(b) A load of shot greater than one and one- 
quarter ounce, any standard measure, struck. 

(c) A reloaded cartridge, or a gun or cartridge, 
after it has once misfired in the competition. The con- 
testants must thereafter abide by the result if he uses 
such. (See Rule 8 [c]). 

Rule 15. — Shooting Out of Turn. 

Whenever the Referee deems it necessary to do so, 
for the purpose of saving time, etc., he may require 
any contestant or contestants to contest, whether it is 
such contestant's, or contestants' turn to compete or 
not. Shooting out of turn does not affect the com- 
petitive standing of any contestant. 

Rule 16.— Traps. 

Section 1. In all competition there shall be used 
five ground traps, placed five yards apart, in the 
circumference of a circle whose radii are thirty yards ; 
the center of said circle is the center of the thirty 
yards firing point. A straight line drawn through 
this center and the center of the boundary circle, 
should pass through the center of all the other firing 
points, whether more or less than thirty yards. The 
traps are designated by numbers from left to right, 
namely, No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, Na. 4, No. 5. (See 
Diagram VI.) The Management shall see that the 
traps are in working order and so kept during the 
competition. 

Sec. 2. When the overground system of trapping 
is used, the Referee shall require that each of the five 
traps contains a bird when the contestant is at the 
firing point. W^hen the underground system is used, 
the trappers are required to exercise their best 
endeavor to keep the traps filled. 

Rule 17. — Boundary. 

Section 1. The boundary shall be a dead line, and 
the circumference of a circle whose radii are fifty 



yards, and whose center is No. 3 trap. The dead line 
is the chord of the circle, and its center is bisected by 
a line drawn from the center of No. 3 trap through 
the center of the firing noints. The center of the dead 
line is thirty-three yards from the center of No. 3 
trap. See Diagram VI.) The Management reserves 
the right to change the bomidary when occasion 
requires. 

Sec. 2. When the boundary is marked by stakes, 
or anything else which does not show the continuous 
arc of the circle, the boundary shall be straight lines 
from stake to stake, etc., consecutively. In case such 
boundary is used, a bird, lying on the line or touch- 
ing it when gathered, is a dead bird. 

Rule 18. — Division of Moneys. 

In the division, unless otherwise provided, the 
moneys shall be governed by class shooting. 



IN H4?ILK 



^=^ 33 Yd^ 



DIAGRAM VII. 

LIVE BIRDS. 

A B— Dead Line. 

ABC D — In Balk. These lines show the boundaries which 
refer to Rule 9, Section 1 (c), and a bird under 
the conditions therein, is said to be "in balk." 



— 30 — 
Rule 19. — Ties. 

The ties shall be shot off and the wmnings divided 
as the Management shall elect. 

Rule 20. — Unfinished Competition. 

In case that darkness, bad weather, or other cause, 
interferes with the competition, the Management may 
thereupon publicly postpone it to a date not later than 
two weeks. Any contestant who defaults in respect 
to such postponed competition, forfeits all his rights 
and standing therein. 

Rule 21. — Official Decisions. 

Every person entering the competition agrees to ac- 
cept all official decisions, and to abide by these rules. 

Notes. 

These rules additionally govern all Registered Tour- 
naments. 

The "Definitions of Terms" and the Diagrams, in 
respect to targets and live birds, are a part of these 
rules. 

The cross reference or references in any rule are 
supplementary to such rule, in so far as such reference 
or references are pertinent. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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